It was
evident that he understood the nature of these proceedings. A glance,
like that of mockery and derision, he cast towards the crowd; and when
Mother Cicely was returning, he threw back upon them a look of scorn and
malignity which made the beholders shrink aside with horror.
The people now addressed themselves to the task of replacing the heavy
materials, and ere night the greater part were withdrawn, ready to
begin with the foundations again on the morrow.
A sort of rude shelter was constructed, wherein Uctred was to keep watch
until daylight.
The morning came, calm and beautiful over the grey hills; and the
anxious inhabitants, awake betimes, did each turn his first steps
towards the river's brink. With horror and amazement they again beheld
the ground bare. Not a vestige remained, nor was there any trace of the
boy.
"He is gone to his own," said they, as a general shudder went through
the crowd; "and the fairies have gotten him at last."
Every heart seemed quailing with some hidden fear; nor could any means
at that moment be suggested for their emancipation.
The stones and timber were again found, as before, on the opposite hill.
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